GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Charles Howard III, a 32-year-old Pittsburgh resident with a history of felony convictions, has been hit with federal charges for violating firearms and drug laws. According to the United States Attorney’s Office in Pennsylvania, this gritty case is another testament to the government’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activity.
The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, alleges that Howard possessed a firearm and crack cocaine on or about March 28, 2012. Federal law strictly prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from owning firearms. The severity of these charges does not stop there; Howard also stands accused of intending to distribute the illegal substance.
In this high-stakes scenario, the government is seeking a maximum sentence of life in prison for the firearm offense, along with a $250,000 fine. For the drug charge, the potential sentence is 30 years behind bars or an equally hefty monetary penalty. The actual sentences will be determined by the seriousness of the offenses and Howard’s extensive criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan B. Ortiz is leading the prosecution on behalf of the government. This case is a critical component of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort aimed at preventing, deterring, and prosecuting gun crime across federal, state, and local levels. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
Although an indictment is merely an accusation, it sends a clear message that those who flout federal laws will face serious consequences. It remains to be seen what sentence Howard will receive upon his conviction, but one thing is certain: the grimy streets of Pittsburgh have yet another high-profile case on their hands.
An indictment is an accusation. Charles Howard III is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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- McKay Faces Life in Prison: 79 Counts in Drug, Gun, Money Scheme · Pennsylvania
- Erie Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun Possession · Pennsylvania
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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